Sunday, November 27, 2011

It looks like I have a lot of catching up to do! From reading your blogs, it sounds like so many of you had wonderful Thanksgivings and I'm enjoying reading about them :)

My Thanksgiving break was pretty close to perfect!

On Thursday, my mom cooked a honey-glazed ham, we made two pumpkin pies, and I got to work on these little turkeys I found on pinterest...

On Thanksgiving day, we traveled to Winston Salem to my aunt's house. She has a beautiful 1930s style farm house out in the country with acres of land. It was so good to see grandparents, my aunt and uncle, and cousins. After stuffing ourselves with food (and FIVE different kinds of dessert), my brother and I tried to ward off the food coma by walking around and taking pictures.

On Black Friday, my friend and I decided to venture out to the mall. I was in search of Christmas presents for family members, but I didn't have much luck. Instead, I found these beautiful mason jars from Sur la Table.

For those of you who know me, you probably already know I'm obsessed with cups. I've been looking for pretty mason jars for forever, so I was so excited to find these Quattro Stagioni jars for only $10. There are so many great things you can do with mason jars! Stuff them with Christmas mints and tie a pretty bow around them, or enjoy them filled with apple cider.

Yesterday and today were spent decorating for Christmas. The tree is finally up!

And my grandmother brought over ornaments for my brother and me this morning. Every year, she buys us an ornament in a series. For years, she's bought my brother guitar ornaments (he loves the guitar), and for me, she buys ornaments from the Madame Alexander series.

The Yuletide Shopper is this year's Madame Alexander ornament. Isn't she precious?

I have so much to be thankful for, I often take advantage of the blessings God has given me. I have a wonderful, loving family, a roof over my head, amazing friends, and more than enough to eat. I have the opportunity to study at one of the best universities, I have books to liven my imagination, blankets to keep me warm. Most of all, I have a God who loves me (and us ALL)! I hope you all took a moment to think about your blessings!

Olivia is known for her cat eye sunnies.
She's often spotted out and about by the paparazzi, and she never fails to have them on.
They're extremely easy to incorporate into your winter outfit this season, because they go with anything!
And don't be scared to try out this trend - cat eye sunnies look good on a wide range of facial structures.

Faux fur is one of this season's hottest items, and Olivia is way ahead of the trend.
In this picture, she pairs a black fur vest over a blazer and black turtleneck.
Go bold with a vest like the Michael Kors one pictured above.
If you're looking for something less expensive, raid the junior's section of any department store (like this jacket or this vest, each for $58).
And don't just stick with vests and jackets... faux fur can be found on boots, scarves, and gloves as well!

It's all in the details, and Olivia is the master of gorgeous, feminine details.
Sequins, diamonds, bows, lace... almost every outfit of hers incorporates these.
I'm loving this outfit Olivia wore to an after-party, especially this Zac Posen blouse...

Isn't the lace just gorgeeeeous?

Finally, Olivia always has a beautiful bag.
I mean, she does have a Birkin... one of the most elusive and glamorous handbags in the world.
These Hermes bags have a selling point between $9,000 and $150,000.Not to mention her other handsome companion, her boyfriend Johannes Huebl. Now, that iswhat I call arm candy.